The New England Patriots made a move to lock up defensive lineman Kyle Love for the 2012 season by extending him an exclusive rights free-agent tender Tuesday afternoon, The Republican confirmed through a league source.

Love, 25, played more than half of New England's defensive snaps last season and finished with 33 tackles and three sacks. He is entering his third season with the team after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State.

The Patriots will likely now look to reach a two-year extension with Love, the same way they did with linebacker Gary Guyton and cornerback Kyle Arrington, all of whom are represented by agents Richard Kopelman and Sean Stellato of KLASS Sports.